'Saints Row: The Third' review (Xbox 360)

Saints Row: The Third should definitely come with a warning. And no, we're not talking about the bad language, over-the-top violence and nudity: players should be warned that Saints Row: The Third is one of the most bizarre and bonkers games of all time. From the Star Wars-esque introduction all the way through to the credits, players will enjoy shootouts in gimp-drawn pony carriages, batter hulking-great clones to death with sex toys, compete in madcap and murderous gameshows and even say hello to Burt Reynolds. Fortunately, no such warning is needed about a lack of quality, because Saints Row: The Third has it in spades.

Having successfully taken over the streets of Stilwater in Saints Row 2, the Saints have become huge international stars and style icons. The gang has its own line of energy drinks and merchandise, is the subject of an upcoming Hollywood movie, while Pierce even stars in his own commercial. Unfortunately, the gang's success has alerted rivals and it's not long before they're targeted by The Syndicate, a powerful organization made up of three of the most unique gangs we've ever come across. With their money gone and their empire in ruins, the plot revolves around the Saints' attempts to regain their status as the world's number one gang.

Not only are the Saints flat broke, but they've also essentially been forced to relocate to Steelport, an industrial city in the mould of New York and Detroit. Steelport may not be the most original city we've ever seen or the most aesthetically pleasing - although it is quite striking when bathed in a neon glow at night - but there is lots to see, do, steal and destroy, making it a highly entertaining and pleasurable playground, especially for those with a penchant for destruction.

The game's true strength lies in its wonderfully eclectic cast of characters and hugely diverse set of missions. Players will raid a skyscraper with a naked brute, rob a bank in a giant Saints mask, light cycle in an homage to Tron and wade through pages of reading in a classic text adventure. Despite a few tedious tasks during the early stages of the game, the missions in Saints Row: The Third are enthralling, action-packed and above all, entertaining.

What is especially pleasing about Saints Row: The Third, however, is just how much there is to do when you're not on a mission. For starters, the game features an incredibly deep customisation element, which allows players to create and change everything from personal appearance, gender and the size of their, ahem, sex appeal, to gang colors, tyre size and paint jobs. If you've ever wanted to drive around in a flame-colored sports car as a naked zombie (and let's face it, who hasn't?), Saints Row: The Third is the game to play.

Likewise, almost everything you do when not sticking it to The Syndicate will earn you money, respect and upgrades. Buying property sees players receive discounts on items such as weapons and clothing, while eliminating rival gang members earns players territory, respect and new skills. Even streaking unlocks bonuses in Saints Row: The Third! The result is a game that succeeds in staving off boredom every time you play.

The game does have its fair share of flaws, however. The gunplay, in particular, pops up far too regularly and lacks the rest of the game's polish. Having already spoken about gimp-drawn carriages, sexual weaponry, streaking and naked brutes, it should be obvious that Saints Row: The Third isn't particularly subtle or sophisticated, and even its own sense of self-awareness can't save it from the odd cringeworthy moment or two.

Despite the cartoonish nature of the largely excellent cast of characters, the game sometimes seems a little too desperate to offend, with bad language and sexual innuendo losing impact and shock value through overuse.

Clocking in at roughly 20 hours, Saints Row: The Third offers a fairly substantial single-player experience, further extended by the huge barrage of side-quests and activities available upon completion. Unfortunately, competitive online multiplayer is a thing of the past, but the main campaign can be played through co-operatively, although we'd be lying if we said it made it any more enjoyable.

Whored mode, meanwhile, offers a typically Saints Row take on the sort of survival mode you'd expect to see in Gears Of War and Call Of Duty. The aim of the game is to blast your way through 30 waves of increasingly tough prostitutes, mascots and brutes. It's not the finest example of the mode we've ever seen, but it is addictive and adds a little extra entertainment.

Saints Row: The Third is the game that's finally able to put those Grand Theft Auto comparisons to bed. The game's over-the-top action, wonderful cast of characters, diverse range of missions and mightily impressive vehicle and weapon arsenal, ensures that it is able to carve out its own identity as a wacky but wonderful sandbox adventure. Saints Row: The Third is outrageous and immature, and while it lacks both subtlety and sophistication, it certainly has no shortage of sparkle.